Wheeling Township Elementary School District 21 has placed three administrators on administrative leave, according to an official announcement released by the district on Friday, March 22. The personnel affected are:
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Michael DeBartolo, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
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Kim Cline, Assistant Superintendent of Support Services
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Melissa Maricona, Student Services Coordinator
The district has not disclosed the specific reasons for the leaves, citing personnel confidentiality. However, it emphasized that no criminal activity or financial wrongdoing is involved.
“There are absolutely no allegations of financial misconduct,” the district stated. “No administrators were removed by police.”
To address growing speculation, District 21 released a public statement urging community members to refrain from sharing unverified claims. “Please set a positive example for our students by not participating in gossip or spreading false information,” the district advised.
The Wheeling Police Department also confirmed that it is not involved in any investigation related to the situation. Deputy Police Chief Al Steffen told reporters there has been no law enforcement activity directed toward the school officials.
As of now, the district has not released information on how long the administrative leaves will last or who will fulfill the responsibilities of the affected administrators in the interim.
Sources:
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Daily Herald: “Wheeling School District 21 places three administrators on leave” (March 24, 2025)
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Community Consolidated School District 21 official statement (March 22, 2025)
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Wheeling Police Department comment via Daily Herald reporting
